Orthopedic device for patellofemoral issues

ABSTRACT

A patellofemoral support comprises a sleeve and a strap assembly. The strap assembly is arranged to extend helically about the sleeve. A buttress is arranged to removably secure to an inside surface of a first portion of the strap assembly or to the sleeve.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The disclosure relates to orthopedic devices, and more particularly toan orthopedic device for supporting a patella and treatingpatellofemoral issues or complications.

BACKGROUND

Orthopedic devices, such as braces, may be used for supporting,protecting, or rehabilitating a portion of a human body, including alimb. Braces may apply straps, buttresses, compression, rigid frames,and other features to enable the user or enhance the user's ability toengage in normal activities while mitigating particular issues orconditions. The patella, commonly known as the kneecap, is at the kneeand maintained in place by muscles, tendons, and ligaments, includingthe patellar tendon which attaches the apex or bottom-most portion ofthe patella and to the tibia.

An orthopedic device for treating patellofemoral issues or complicationsmay ensure that a patella of a user is maintained in its proper positionthroughout a range of normal motions, such as walking, sitting, jumping,or otherwise. This may be important for individuals with issues orpathologies such as patellar instability, patellar tracking disorder,subluxation, or other disorders of the knee, which may involve a patellatranslating or popping out of its proper position, causing pain anddiscomfort.

Early and existing devices aimed at addressing these pathologies haveinsufficiently or sub-optimally provided forces to influence theposition of the patella relative to a limb. For instance, existingpatellofemoral supports may fail to adequately provide both medial andlateral stabilization while applying an amount of pressure to thepatellar tendon. Other devices have inadequate side-specific propertiesbecause they do not adequately provide an optimal amount of pressure andsupport proximate a patella on an affected side of the user. With userssuffering from patellar tracking disorder, pressure may be needed bothon a side of the leg toward which the patella is prone to trackparticularly during movement, and on portions of the anatomy affectedduring movement, such as tendons and ligaments.

In certain devices it is also difficult to provide a proper amount offorce, particularly during various movements such as extension andflexion, without causing unwanted tracking. Straps or otherpressure-imposing features may disadvantageously press the patella outof a desired configuration or may cause discomfort by applying too muchpressure, especially at a certain portion of the limb and especiallyduring a certain level of flexion. Compliant use with such devices maybe poor and may result in further pain, discomfort, or other issues.

Existing patellofemoral supports also may disadvantageously be difficultto don, expensive, non-durable, and/or uncomfortable. Straps, hinges,buttresses, and other components may be poorly adapted to the dynamicshape and configuration of other components and increase the cost andcomplexity of a patellofemoral support or lead to poor compliance.Further, existing patellofemoral supports may be poorly adapted orconfigured to accommodate the dimensions of individual users. Thesuboptimal arrangement of existing patellofemoral supports has typicallyrequired users to undergo significant disruptions to their lifestyle,with numerous activities curtailed, impeded, or otherwise adverselyaffected.

There is a need for an orthopedic device for patellofemoral issues, suchas a patellofemoral support, that overcomes the disadvantages ofexisting patellofemoral supports and provides an optimized configurationof components for addressing patellar pathologies while optimizing usercompliance, comfort, and cost.

SUMMARY

An orthopedic device is accordingly provided to address the drawbacks ofexisting orthopedic devices for patellofemoral issues, with theexemplary orthopedic device being a patellofemoral support. Thepatellofemoral support generally comprises a sleeve arranged forsurrounding at least a portion of the user's limb and at least over aknee, at least one buttress, and at least one strap system arranged topress or urge the at least one buttress against the patella. The atleast one buttress and strap system may be arranged for providingeffective pressure and forces on a patella to stabilize or immobilizethe patella, particularly in response to a user's individual needs andmovements.

The at least one buttress and strap system may be arranged to apply acomfortable and effective amount of pressure on a particular side of apatella. The at least one buttress may comprise first and secondbranches that extend asymmetrically or symmetrically about opposed sidesof the patella, and is arranged to cooperate with the at least one strapsystem. The strap system may apply comfortable compression about the atleast one buttress such as a generally even amount or an otherwisedesirable distribution of pressure over the at least one buttress. Theat least one buttress may comprise an extension arranged to extend overthe patellar tendon, with the strap system arranged to press theextension against the patellar tendon for pain relief and treatment ofpatellar tendon-related pathologies.

The strap system, although not limited, preferably extends generallyfrom lateral and/or medial sides of the sleeve and over the anteriorside of the sleeve. In an exemplary embodiment, the strap systemcomprises at least one first strap and at least one second strapextending from opposed medial or lateral sides of the sleeve,respectively, and intersecting at least on a distal side of the patellaover the at least one buttress so as to secure to an opposite side ofthe patellofemoral support from which the at least one first and secondstraps initially extend.

The strap system may not interfere with the posterior side of thesleeve, and may rather isolate compression over the anterior aspect of auser's leg, particularly over the at least one buttress. The strapsystem may be arranged with suitable securement means, such as tabshaving fasteners that may connect to tab landing areas defined on thesleeve, and distinguished from anti-connection portions. The strapsystem facilitates intuitive and accurate donning and use of thepatellofemoral support.

The patellofemoral support may comprise a strap system having at leastone helical or diagonal strap and at least one anterior circumferentialstrap. The at least one helical and anterior circumferential straps mayhave first ends originating from a same side (i.e., lateral or medialside generally corresponding to the coronal plane) of the patellofemoralsupport, and second ends terminating on a same second or opposed side ofthe patellofemoral support. The second ends of the at least one helicaland circumferential straps may be joined at a single tab. Thisarrangement may allow a user to accurately don and tension the devicewith a single motion, improving and facilitating compliant use, asopposed to managing multiple discrete straps. The anteriorcircumferential strap may be arranged to extend around a substantialentirety of the sleeve to provide stability against unwanted twisting ormigration of the patellofemoral support on a user's leg, such as duringdonning/doffing and during activities involving significant bending andtwisting, such as exercise or outdoor activities.

The sleeve may comprise an elasticized or compressible (about the legand/or knee) sleeve and the at least one buttress may be formed from aviscoelastic or other compressible material. The at least one buttressmay define a profile corresponding or complementary to a shape of apatella and may be pressed against the patella by a strap system havingat least one helical strap.

Another embodiment of a patellofemoral support includes a sleeve, astrap assembly having a first portion secured to the sleeve and a secondportion removably securable to the sleeve, and at least one buttresssecurable onto the first portion of the strap assembly. The sleeve mayform an opening arranged to correspond to a patella, and the at leastone buttress is arranged to secure about a periphery of the openingpreferably on either a medial or lateral side of the opening. Forexample, the at least one buttress may be crescent- or generallysemi-circularly shaped, or configured in shape to correspond to only asegment of the opening. The sleeve may define an edging about theperiphery of the opening and the edging may have cushioning propertiesrelative to the sleeve outside of the edging. The edging may be selectedto vary in width and thickness according to desirable padding featuresdisposed about the knee. The patellofemoral support may have at leastone hinge and/or struts along a side portion generally corresponding toa coronal plane.

The at least one buttress is attachable onto an inner surface of thefirst portion of the strap assembly to be placed adjacent the sleeve,and therefore over or along a portion of the patella for betterstabilization. The strap assembly itself carries the at least onebuttress and allows a user to position the buttress in combination withpositioning of the strap assembly over the sleeve. Compression of thebuttress can be achieved according to the tension of the strap assemblyabout the sleeve and its attachment to the sleeve.

The strap assembly includes at least one strap arranged to extendcircumferentially or semi-circumferentially about the sleeve. The atleast one strap may extend helically or circumferentially (i.e.,generally about an axis of the sleeve) about the sleeve and has a secondend forming at least part of the second portion of the strap assemblythat is removably securable to the sleeve. The first portion of the atleast one strap assembly is permanently secured to the sleeve, and maybe connected to sleeve by an elastic segment to transition compressionof the at least one buttress and to adapt the tensioning of the strapassembly according to flexion and extension of the knee.

The strap assembly may form a base portion in the first portion which islocated between the elastic segment and the at least one strap. The atleast one buttress may be supported at the base portion and the at leastone strap may extend directly from the base portion. The at least onestrap may include at least one elastic segment and at least onesubstantially inelastic segment, which permits the at least one strap toadapt in tension according to flexion of the knee. In an exemplaryembodiment the at least one strap has at least first and secondsubstantially inelastic segments, the at least one elastic segment beinglocated between the at least two inelastic segments.

These and other features of the disclosure will become better understandregarding the following description, appended claims, and accompanyingdrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a first side of a patellofemoralsupport according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 1A is a front elevational frontal view of a variation of thepatellofemoral support of FIG. 1.

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of a second side of the patellofemoralsupport according to FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of a patellofemoral support accordingto another embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a front elevational view of a patellofemoral support accordingto another embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a front elevational view of a patellofemoral support accordingto another embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of the embodiment of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a side elevational view of the embodiment of FIG. 5.

FIG. 8 is a side perspective view of a variation of the embodiment ofFIG. 5.

FIG. 9 is a side perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a patellofemoral support according toanother embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 11 is a front elevational view of the patellofemoral support ofFIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is a detail view of the patellofemoral support of FIG. 10.

FIG. 13 is a first front perspective view of a variation of thepatellofemoral support of FIG. 10.

FIG. 14 is a second front perspective view of the patellofemoral supportof FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is a front plan view of a buttress useable in a patellofemoralsupport.

FIG. 16 is a rear plan view of the buttress of FIG. 15.

FIG. 17 is an elevational sectional view of the buttress of FIG. 15.

FIG. 18 is an elevational view of the patellofemoral support of FIG. 10.

The drawing figures are not necessarily drawn to scale, but instead aredrawn to provide a better understanding of the components, and are notintended to be limiting in scope, but to provide exemplaryillustrations. The figures illustrate exemplary configurations of anorthopedic device in the form of a patellofemoral support, and in no waylimit the structures, configurations, or methods of a patellofemoralsupport according to the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS

An orthopedic device for patellofemoral issues according to embodimentsof the disclosure advantageously provides an effective and comfortabledevice for supporting and/or immobilizing a patella of a user throughouta range of motions and activities with improved attention to theparticular needs and pathologies of the user, while enhancing comfortover existing devices.

FIGS. 1 and 2 show an orthopedic device in the form of a patellofemoralsupport according to a first embodiment of the disclosure, with aperspective view of opposed sides of the patellofemoral support offeredby both FIGS. 1 and 2, respectively. The patellofemoral support 100 maycomprise a sleeve 102 arranged to surround at least a portion of a legof a user. The sleeve 102 may be formed from a continuous compressiveknit ensuring dynamic fit, comfort, and breathability. The continuouscompressive knit may comprise multiple discrete sections of materialhaving different properties corresponding to different portions of thelimb, as described in U.S. Patent Publication no. 2018/0078398,published Mar. 22, 2018.

For instance, donning and doffing of the sleeve, breathability, andfunctionality may be enhanced by providing regions having differentdensities, elasticities, and other features. The sleeve 102 is notlimited to a compressive sleeve but may alternatively be formed of anysuitable material for surrounding a limb, such as elasticized materialor elastic or inelastic material as is known in the orthopedic arts. Thesleeve 102 may comprise features to aid donning, doffing, and retainingthe sleeve 102 on the limb of a user, such as fold-down portions andpull tabs similar to the above disclosure.

The sleeve 102 may support a buttress 103 which is arranged to align,stabilize, cushion and/or protect a patella of the user. The buttress103 may be formed from an elastomeric, thermoplastic, or viscoelasticmaterial, or any other suitable material, and may be supported over,under, and/or within a body or thickness of the sleeve 102. The sleeve102 has first and second strap assemblies 104, 106, which connect to andextend from a portion of the sleeve 102 and extend around a portion ofthe sleeve 102. In the embodiment, the buttress 103 is shown asextending above or proximal relative to the patella, but it will beunderstood that the buttress 103 may comprise any suitable configurationrelative to the user's limb and the patellofemoral support 100.

In the depicted embodiment, the first and second strap assemblies 104,106 are arranged to extend from a medial or a lateral side of thepatellofemoral support 100, as would be defined by a sagittal plane,respectively, of the sleeve 102, and to connect to an opposite side ofthe patellofemoral support 100. The first and second strap assemblies104, 106 preferably overlap at a predetermined portion of thepatellofemoral support 100 to apply forces to a portion of the limb,particularly the patella.

The first and second strap assemblies 104, 106 may have a taperingconfiguration, as in the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, with a widerconfiguration at a first end originating at the sleeve 102, and anarrower configuration at a second end removably attaching at theopposite side of the sleeve 102 at a predetermined location. The strapassemblies 104, 106 may define a predetermined length arranged tocooperate with the sleeve 102 to provide optimal amounts of force to thepatella or at other parts of the limb. The strap assemblies 104, 106 maybe configured for providing user-specific support, such as by adaptingto the specific dimensions of a user. The strap assemblies 104, 106 maycomprise any suitable material, including but not limited to textiles,polymeric materials, or otherwise.

The strap assemblies 104, 106 may originate at their first ends at asame height or place on their corresponding medial or lateral sides,relative to an axis X-X of the sleeve 102. Alternatively, the strapassemblies 104, 106 may be located at different locations relative tothe axis X-X, to incur more or less tensioning and correspondingcompression of the buttress 103 depending on the area of the patellaexperiencing pain or requiring immobilization and/or stabilization. Thisarrangement may be particularly beneficial in a side-specificpatellofemoral support, for example.

The tapering configuration of the first and second strap assemblies 104,106 may advantageously distribute forces over the limb in a morecomfortable manner, especially during flexion of the knee, and mayprovide proper pressure against a patella by supporting the sides andbottom of the patella. In this manner, the strap assemblies 104, 106 maycooperate with the buttress 103 to provide optimal support to thepatella, with greater compression applied at particular portions of thepatella. The strap assemblies 104, 106 may also facilitate donning ofthe patellofemoral support 100 by providing intuitive, symmetricattachment mechanisms. The strap assembles 104, 106 may be arranged toextend helically, that is in a generally spiraling configuration, aroundthe patellofemoral support 100, such that the strap assemblies 104, 106originate and terminate on the patellofemoral support 100 at differentheights relative to the axis X-X. The strap assemblies 104, 106 may bearranged to extend, whether helically or circumferentially, only over ananterior portion A of the patellofemoral device 100.

The patellofemoral support 100 may comprise a buttress 108 arranged toextend distally of and around at least a portion of the patella on ananterior side A of the patellofemoral support 100. The buttress 108 maybe provided in complement to or instead of the buttress 103. Thebuttress 108 may impart greater rigidity to the patellofemoral support100 than the compressive sleeve 102, with extending portions thatcooperate with the sleeve 102 and the first and second strap assemblies104, 106 to apply forces to the patella in predetermined directions andat predetermined portions of the patella. The buttress 104 may bearranged within a thickness of the sleeve 102, or may extend either overor under the sleeve 102.

For example, an extending portion of the buttress 108 may be arranged toextend over the patellar tendon of the user. As the first and secondstrap assemblies 104, 106 are fastened, the strap assemblies 104, 106may press inwardly upon the extending portion of the buttress 108 toapply pressure to the patellar tendon and thereby relieve pain,inflammation, and other sources of discomfort as well as supporting theapex of the patella. Additionally, or alternatively, an extendingportion of the buttress 108 may be arranged to extend proximally arounda side of the patella, thereby imparting forces to a side of the patellaas the strap assemblies 104, 106 are fastened. This may be particularlyadvantageous for users suffering from patellar tracking in a particulardirection, as the forces imparted by the first and second strapassemblies 104, 106 and the buttress 108 are arranged to stabilizeand/or immobilize the patella, reducing pain and improving comfort for auser.

The patellofemoral support 100 may further comprise rigid or semi-rigidfirst and second stays 126, 128 arranged in or on the sleeve 102 withinfirst and second stay panels 110, 112, respectively. The stay panels110, 112 may retain the stays 126, 128 in position relative to thesleeve 102. The first and second stays 126, 128 may be arranged onopposed medial and lateral sides of the patellofemoral support 100 andmay comprise a hinge portion facilitating flexion and extension of theleg. The hinges may be formed in the manner of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 16/058,024, filed Aug. 8, 2018.

The first and second stay panels 110, 112 may additionally define astructurally sound surface for supporting the first and second strapassemblies 104, 106 as pressure or forces are applied to the patella.The first strap assembly 104 may comprise a first main strap 113connected to and extending from an anterior portion or side of the firststay panel 110. The first main strap 113 may extend across the anteriorside A of the patellofemoral support 100 and attach via a first strapend 114 to the opposite side of the patellofemoral support 100.Likewise, and subsequently or simultaneously, a second main strap 115 ofthe second strap assembly 106 may be connected to and extend from ananterior portion of the second stay panel 112, overlapping the firststrap assembly 104 as it extends across the anterior side A toward theopposite side of the patellofemoral support 100, terminating in andattaching by means of a second strap end 116. The first and second strapassemblies 104, 106 may extend symmetrically or asymmetrically and maycomprise different shapes, lengths, or materials as suitable. Thedepicted arrangement is merely exemplary and the second main strap 115may be secured beneath the first main strap 113.

The first and second strap ends 114, 116 may comprise first and secondstrap tabs 118, 120, respectively. The strap tabs 118, 120 may eachdefine a reinforced end portion bearing a fastener arranged forattaching to a portion of the compressive sleeve 102 or thepatellofemoral support 100. In the depicted embodiment, the first andsecond strap tabs 118, 120 comprise hook-and-loop-type fastenermaterial, arranged for engaging with a corresponding hook-and-loop typefastener material provided on first and second tab landing areas 132,142, respectively. The landing areas 132, 142 may be formed asextensions of the first and second stay panels 110, 112. Alternatively,the first and second stay panels 110, 112 may be entirely formed ofhook-and-loop-compatible material, allowing the tabs 118, 120 to attachanywhere along the length of the stay panels 110, 112. Discrete regionsor an entirety of the sleeve 102 may comprise or be formed of materialcompatible with the fastener material of the strap tabs 118, 120.

By anchoring the first and second strap assemblies 104, 106 on the firstand second stay panels 110, 112 at first and/or second end of the strapassemblies 104, 106, the first and second strap assemblies 104, 106 mayimpart necessary forces to the knee owing to the structural soundness ofthe first and second stays 126, 128. This advantageously may facilitateeffective forces to be applied around the user's limb and withoutextending around a posterior portion or side P of the patellofemoralsupport 100. This reduces the complications and discomfort associatedwith or caused by posteriorly extending straps, particularly duringflexion and extension, as well as when the user or sitting or lyingdown.

The first and second stay panels 110, 112 may define first and secondgaps 136, 140, respectively, between a main portion of the stay panels110, 112 and first and second panel transition portions 130, 138. Thegaps 136, 140 may separate the first and second panel transitionportions 130, 138 from the main portions of the stay panels 110, 112,allowing for greater flexibility and ease of use as the first and secondstrap assemblies 104, 106 which depend therefrom are wrapped around theanterior side A of the patellofemoral support 100. The gaps 136, 140 maybe formed proximate first and second hinge areas 134, 135 of the firstand second stays 126, 128, respectively, or may be located at anysuitable location along the stay panels 110, 112.

The sleeve 102 may define first and second anti-connection portions 122,124 proximate the first and second landing areas 132, 142. Theanti-connection portions 122, 124 may be arranged to not connect to thefastener or fastener material borne by the first and second strap tabs118, 120. For example, the anti-connection portions 122, 124 may beformed from a material that does not cooperate with hook-and-loop-typefasteners. By providing the first and second anti-connection portions122, 124, misplacement of the first and second tabs 118, 120 isprevented, as is damage to the material forming the sleeve 102, such asby contact with the hook portions of hook-and-loop-type fastener borneby the tabs 118, 120. Compliant and longer-term use of thepatellofemoral support 100 is thereby facilitated.

FIG. 1A depicts a variation of the patellofemoral support 100 of FIGS. 1and 2. The patellofemoral support 101 has a sleeve 102 a and first andsecond strap assemblies 111 a, 111 b. While the first and second strapassemblies 111 a, 111 b intersect over a buttress 108, each of the firstand second strap assemblies 111 a, 111 b each comprises first and secondstraps 117 a, 119 a, 117 b, 119 b.

Taking the first strap assembly 111 a as an example, the first strap 117a extends from generally proximal or at the proximal side of a kneecenter Kc relative to an axis X-X of the support 101, whereas the secondstrap 117 b extends from generally distal or at a distal side of theknee center Kc. Each of the first and second straps 117 a, 117 b extendsfrom the medial side M, by way of example, of the sleeve 102 a. Thefirst and second straps 117 a, 117 b may converge at an intersection orconvergence 125 over the lateral side L of the sleeve 102 a, with one ofthe first and second straps 117 a, 117 b extending over the other at theconvergence 125 to a shared tab 127. The first and second straps 117 a,117 b may be separated along the medial side M by a distance orclearance D1, and may or may not have a same width.

In like manner, the first and second straps 119 a, 119 b of the secondstrap assembly 111 b may extend laterally to medially and may have apredetermined configuration for providing a convergence or otherwiseinteracting for applying appropriate forces to the user. As describedpreviously, the first and second strap assemblies 111 a, 111 b may bearranged to extend from and be anchored by first and second stay panels110 a, 112 a.

In any of the embodiments described herein, the strap assemblies may besegmented into at least two straps as in FIG. 1A to approximate theshape of the strap assemblies depicted as comprising a single strap.Moreover, depending on the patella pain or issue, the strap assembliesand buttress shapes are not limited to their placement in the depictedembodiments, but rather may be interchanged according to whether greatersupport is required on one or both of the medial or lateral sides of auser's knee. For example, a first strap assembly bifurcated or segmentedinto two straps may extend laterally to medially for gripping a patellaover a greater surface area on the lateral side, while a second strapassembly extending medially to laterally may have a non-segmentedconfiguration and accordingly may extend over less surface area.

FIGS. 3 and 4 depict variations of patellofemoral supports 130, 131. Inboth FIGS. 3 and 4, the patellofemoral supports 130, 131 may comprisethe sleeve 102 and the first and second stay panels 110, 112 of thepatellofemoral support 100. The sleeve 102 may comprise a knee area 157,which may comprise material with greater flexibility and/orbreathability than other portions of the sleeve 102, such that as theleg flexes and extends, the patella is accommodated and/or stabilized orimmobilized by the sleeve 102 without excessive downward pressure on thepatella.

The patellofemoral supports 130, 131 in FIGS. 3 and 4 may comprisebuttresses 108, 109, respectively. The buttresses 108, 109 mayadvantageously comprise a rigid or semi-rigid material for applyingforces to the patella or surrounding tissue, yet may be sufficientlypliant to resiliently deform in predetermined directions as the legflexes and extends, thereby retaining their position relative to thesleeve 102 and providing continuous pressure to the patella. Thebuttresses 108, 109 may be formed of any suitable material.

In FIG. 3, the buttress 108 comprises first and second buttress arms144, 146 extending from a buttress dip 147 and extending around medialand lateral sides M, L of the patella. The second buttress arm 146 mayextend proximally on the patellofemoral support 130 a greater distancethan the first buttress arm 144, such that the second buttress arm 146abuts a substantial entirety of the corresponding side of the patella,whereas the first buttress arm 144 abuts only a portion of thecorresponding opposite side of the patella, such as one quarter, onethird, one half, or otherwise. The buttress dip 147 may be configured todefine an inner curvature corresponding to a general shape of a patellaand to abut a bottom side or portion of the patella. By contrast, thebuttress arms 144, 146 may be arranged symmetrically around the patella.The buttress 108 is not limited to the depicted configuration, but mayadopt any suitable configuration.

A buttress extension 148 may depend distally from the buttress dip 147to extend over a patellar tendon of a user as the first and secondbuttress arms 144, 146 extend around sides of the patella. As first andsecond strap assemblies 104, 106 in FIG. 3 are fastened, the first andsecond strap assemblies 104, 106 may define an intersection 150 that maybe arranged to press upon the buttress 108. The intersection 150 mayextend over the buttress extension 148 to press the buttress extension148 against the patellar tendon, providing stability and relieving painand inflammation thereof. The first and second strap assemblies 104, 106may be configured such that the intersection 150 extends over asubstantial entirety of the buttress extension 148, the buttress dip147, the first and second buttress arms 144, 146, or combinationsthereof.

The first and second strap assemblies 104, 106 may be arranged to pressthe first and second buttress arms 144, 146 in toward the leg as well asto press the patella toward a central position; that is, in anembodiment the first buttress arm 144 may press the patella in a lateraldirection L, while the second buttress arm 146 may press the patella ina medial direction M. Because of the asymmetry of the first and secondbuttress arms 144, 146, the second buttress arm 146, pressed by thesecond strap assembly 106 and applying forces to the patella, may pressthe patella further in the medial direction M or with greater force thanthe first buttress arm 144 presses the patella in the lateral directionL in the patellofemoral support 130.

The first strap assembly 104 is asymmetric relative to the second strapassembly 106 in that it presses down on the patella tendon, providingcompression for anti-inflammatory and pain relief. As depicted, thefirst strap assembly 104 extends from a location distally relative tothe second strap assembly 106, and has a wider shape in that a firstportion 158, more proximal than a second portion 160, extends generallyhelically from the medial side M to the lateral side L relative to theaxis X-X. The second portion 160 extends generally circumferentiallyabout the sleeve 102 and axis X-X toward the lateral side L. As avariation, the first strap assembly 104 may comprise at least twostraps, as in FIG. 1A, approximating the first and second portions 158,160. This strap assembly exemplifies how any of the strap assembliesdepicted herein may have tapering widths or directionally differingportions.

The second strap assembly 106 may be located proximally relative to thefirst strap assembly 104 on the lateral side L and relative to the axisX-X. The second strap assembly 106 may extend over a large portion ofthe buttress 108 and corresponding buttress arm 146 to offer morecompression on the lateral side L.

This arrangement may be particularly advantageous for users whosepatella tracks to a particular side, especially as the knee bends inflexion. The first and second strap assemblies 104, 106 advantageouslyretain the buttress 108 in its desired configuration even as the user'sleg moves, overcoming a significant advantage of existing devices whichhave highly dynamic configurations throughout a range of user movements,leading to inconsistent support.

In the embodiment of FIG. 4, the buttress 109 may comprise equally orsubstantially symmetrically dimensioned first and second buttress arms152, 154, connected at a buttress dip 155 and connected to a buttressextension 156. As in the embodiment of FIG. 3, the buttress arms 152,154 may be arranged to extend around opposed sides of a patella and toimpart forces thereto as a result of the first and second strapassemblies 105, 107. The symmetrical arrangement of FIG. 4 may beappropriate for a user with patella pathologies that are not asymmetricor involve the patella tracking to a particular side. Rather theembodiment of FIG. 4 may provide symmetric and effective stabilizationon both medial and lateral sides M, L of the patella.

The configuration of the first and second strap assemblies 105, 107 withthe symmetric configuration of the buttress 109 allows for intuitive,accurate, and effective bracing of the knee and the patella inparticular by a user, as proper donning of the patellofemoral support131 is facilitated by the complementary shapes of the first and secondstrap assemblies 105, 107 relative to the shape of the buttress 109. Asa user dons the patellofemoral support 131, the first and second strapassemblies 105, 107 may be easily and accurately applied over the sleeve102, with the tapering shape of the strap assemblies 105, 107corresponding to the shape of the patella and the buttress 109 andcomfortably abutting thereagainst.

The first and second strap assemblies 105, 107 may be each arranged astwo or more substraps of equal length and being joined at first andsecond ends thereof to form a single composite strap assembly, with thetwo or more substraps of each single composite strap assemblyfacilitating greater flexibility of the strap assemblies 105, 107 toconform to a user's dimensions and increasing durability as shown inFIG. 1A. In an embodiment, the two or more substraps may substantiallyoverlap at a first end and may separate at a second end, such that thetwo or more substraps diverge towards the second end. The dimensions andproperties of the buttresses 108, 109, including the buttress arms 144,146, 152, 154 and the buttress extensions 148, 156, as well as theconfiguration and constructions of the strap assemblies 104, 106, 105,107, may be arranged in any suitable configuration for applying desiredforces, support, or immobilization to a limb.

Another embodiment of a patellofemoral support 200 according to thedisclosure is shown in elevational view in FIG. 5. The patellofemoralsupport 200 may comprise a sleeve 202 and may be formed from anysuitable material as discussed in previous embodiments. The sleeve 202may define discrete regions having different properties appropriate forthe particular portion of the user's limb to which the regionscorrespond.

The patellofemoral support 200 may comprise a buttress 203 proximate abuttress 205. Both the buttress 203 and the buttress 205 may beconnected to and/or contained entirely within, over, or under athickness of the sleeve 202 and are shown schematically. The buttress205 may define an O-, U- or Y-shape or any other configuration suitablefor surrounding a user's patella on lateral, medial, proximal, and/ordistal sides or portions thereof.

The patellofemoral support 200 may comprise a strap system 204 includinga helical or diagonal strap 208 and an anterior circumferential strap210. The helical strap 208 and the anterior circumferential strap 210may be arranged to extend from a first side of the sleeve 202 and topass over an anterior side A of the patellofemoral support 200. Thestraps 208, 210 may removably connect to a second side of the sleeve 202by an appropriate fastener, such as a hook-and-loop type fastener or anyother suitable fastener.

The anterior circumferential strap 210 is depicted as extending distallyof the helical strap 208, but it will be understood that the anteriorcircumferential strap 210 may extend in any relationship with thehelical strap 208, including proximally. As in previous embodiments, thehelical strap 208 and anterior circumferential strap 210 may, byextending substantially only anteriorly, advantageously reducecomplications and interference by the straps 208, 210 with flexion andextension on a posterior side of the patellofemoral support 200.

The strap system 204 may be arranged to connect to and extend from thefirst side of the sleeve 202 at a first stay panel 206, which may bearranged on a medial or lateral side of the patellofemoral support 200and whereat a strut or hinge may be arranged as detailed in previousembodiments, particularly depending on a user's needs. For a user withpatella pathologies requiring forces pressing primarily medially tolaterally, a first configuration may be suitable, whereas for a userrequiring forces pressing primarily laterally to medially, a secondconfiguration may be suitable. The anterior circumferential strap 210may comprise a circumferential strap attachment 216 configured to attachto the first stay panel 206 on the lateral side L, imparting desiredflexibility to facilitate intuitive, effective, and easy donning of thesupport 200.

In the embodiment of FIG. 5, the strap system 204 may be arranged toextend over the buttress 205 asymmetrically; that is, the helical strap208 may extend over a greater proportion of a first or lateral branch ofthe buttress 205 relative to a second or medial branch of the buttress205. In this manner, the helical strap 208 may be arranged to press andexert forces upon the buttress 205 in an overall lateral-to-medialfashion, assisting a user suffering from a patella that tracks in themedial-to-lateral direction.

To ease the process of properly donning the patellofemoral support 200,the strap system 204 may be provided with a strap tab 212 arranged tojoin the helical strap 208 and the anterior circumferential strap 210 ata single second or free end. A tab landing area 214 may be defined by oron the sleeve 202 and may correspond to a predetermined location forattaching the strap tab 212. As in the embodiments described in FIGS.1-4, an anti-attachment section 215 may be defined proximate the tablanding area 214 to prevent the strap tab 212 or fasteners arrangedthereon from contacting, gripping, and/or damaging the material formingthe sleeve 202 or from attaching the strap system 204 in an improper orsuboptimal configuration. The anti-attachment section 215 may further bearranged to aid a user in donning the patellofemoral support 200 byurging the user to place the strap tab 212 at a location that may ensurethat optimal and/or effective forces are applied.

The tab landing area 214 may be formed by or on a second stay panel 207(shown in FIG. 6) located on an opposite side from the first stay panel206. The tab landing area 214 may have a shape or configuration closelycorresponding to a shape, size, or configuration of the strap tab 212,or may have a larger configuration or shape than the strap tab 212,thereby facilitating a plurality of possible configurations of the strapsystem 204 based on an individual's needs. For instance, the tab landingarea 214 may extend a predetermined distance up the second stay panel207 to allow the strap system 204 to have a plurality of verticalorientations depending on the user's particular needs, which may varyduring the course of use or recovery.

In the side elevational view of FIGS. 6 and 7, the orientation of thestrap system 204, the buttress 205, and the sleeve 202 can be seen ingreater detail. The second stay panel 207 may define a configurationthat is complementary to a shape of the strap tab 212 at predeterminedlocations. The anti-attachment section 215 is shown extending anteriorlyrelative to the second stay panel 207, but it will be understood thatthe anti-attachment section 215 is not limited to this configuration andmay extend in any suitable configuration relative to the sleeve 202. Aplurality of tab landing areas and/or anti-attachment sections may beprovided in any number, shape, or configuration as suitable. It will beunderstood that the tab landing area 214 and the anti-attachment section215 may comprise any suitable arrangement relative to each other.

As seen in FIG. 7, the strap system 204 may comprise first and secondstrap interfaces 218 and 220 arranged to correspond to the helical strap208 and the anterior circumferential strap 210, respectively. The strapinterfaces 218, 220 may be arranged to connect the helical and anteriorcircumferential straps 208, 210 to the first stay panel 206, therebyanchoring the strap system 204 relative to the sleeve 202 andfacilitating the forces applied by the strap system 204 to the patellaand the limb. An extension 222 may extend between the first strapinterface 218 and the helical strap 208, and may comprise flexible,elastic, or other properties suitable for helping a user to helpposition the helical strap 208 at an optimal location relative to thepatella.

In an alternative embodiment depicted in FIGS. 8 and 9, a patellofemoralsupport 230 may comprise a knee sleeve or support 232 and a strap system234. A buttress may be arranged to extend over, below, or within athickness of the sleeve 232 of the patellofemoral support 230 and, likethe embodiments of FIGS. 5-7, may be arranged with at least first andsecond branches extending at least distally of and around first andsecond sides of the patella. The strap system 234 may comprise a helicalstrap 236 and an anterior circumferential strap 238 configured with astrap tab joining the helical and anterior circumferential straps 236,238 at a single free or second end to facilitate accurate and intuitivedonning. The strap tab may comprise a fastener arranged to connect to atab landing 242 defined by or on a first stay panel 240. The first staypanel 240 may further comprise a stay or hinge as discussed previously.

The strap system 234 may extend from a second stay panel 241 arranged atan opposite side of the patellofemoral support 230. The second staypanel 241 may comprise a stay or hinge, which may have added rigidityrelative to the sleeve or straps to facilitate applying forces throughthe strap system 234. The second stay panel 241 may attach to thehelical strap 236 at an extension 246, the extension 246 facilitatingflexibility to allow the helical strap 236 to extend over the patella atan optimal location based on a user's dimensions and needs. A strapinterface 248 may extend from the extension 246 to connect to thehelical strap 236.

A loop 244 may be defined by or proximate the second stay panel 241 andmay be arranged to cooperate with the anterior circumferential strap238. To stabilize the patellofemoral support 230 around the leg of theuser, the anterior circumferential strap 238 may be arranged to extendaround a substantial entirety of the patellofemoral support 230, therebybetter distributing the forces applied by and through the strap system234 and the patellofemoral support 230. This prevents twisting or otherundesired migrations of the patellofemoral support 230 relative to theleg as a result of tensioning or applying forces through the strapsystem 234.

The anterior circumferential strap 238 may extend through the loop 244over the second stay panel 241 from an origin at the first stay panel240. A strap interface 250 may extend from the first stay panel 240 toconnect to a first end of the anterior circumferential strap 238, asseen in FIG. 8. By providing the anterior circumferential strap 238 ofthe embodiment of FIGS. 8 and 9, the problem of tensioning components ofpatellofemoral supports leading to unwanted migration or twisting of thepatellofemoral support is addressed. As in previous embodiments, theanterior circumferential strap 238 may be arranged in any suitableconfiguration relative to the helical strap, including proximally.

FIGS. 10-12 illustrate another embodiment of a patellofemoral support300 according to the disclosure. The patellofemoral support 300 maycomprise a buttress 301 arranged to be applied against a patella of auser by a strap assembly 306. A sleeve 302 may be arranged with anopening 304 configured to receive and hold a patella of a user, with thestrap assembly 306 configured to press the buttress 301 against aportion of the patella. At least one hinge 316 may be formed along amedial and/or lateral side of the patellofemoral support 300.

The strap assembly 306 may extend from the sleeve 302 at an elasticportion 310 and may comprise first and second strap segments 312, 314.The first and second strap segments 312, 314 may be arranged to extendin a generally circumferential fashion proximally or above and distallyor below the opening 304, respectively. The opening 304 may be boundedby an opening edging 322 configured to provide cushioning and retentionof the patella. The opening edging 322 of the sleeve 302 may comprisefoam, padding, reinforcement sections, or other features that enhancecomfort and patella retention around the opening 304 by resistingoutward movement of the patella.

The sleeve 302 may be formed as in previous embodiments of any suitablematerial. In an embodiment, the sleeve 302 may be formed from a softand/or compressive material configured to provide comfort to a user andto facilitate intuitive and easy donning of the patellofemoral support300. The sleeve 302 may be a continuous sleeve and may define first andsecond strap landing portions 318, 320 configured to cooperate withcorresponding fasteners of the first and second strap segments 312, 314,respectively. The first and second strap landing portions 318, 320 maybe formed on a region of the sleeve 302 near the at least one hinge 316,facilitating a circumferential or near-circumferential arrangement ofthe first and second strap segments 312, 314 when attached to the straplanding portions 318, 320 and ensuring attachment of the strap segmentsat a structurally secure region of the support 300. Thenear-circumferential or circumferential arrangement may advantageouslysecure the straps 312, 314 without undesired torquing of the limb and/orthe patellofemoral support 300 or twisting and migration of the support300 relative to the limb.

FIG. 11 depicts the embodiment of FIG. 10 in greater detail. Thebuttress 301 may comprise a curved buttress profile 323 arranged forcomplementing or corresponding to a natural shape of the patella. Thebuttress 301 may further comprise first and second sections 324, 326defining the buttress profile 323. The first section 324 may be a raisedportion by having a greater height than the second section 326 and mayextend from a surface of the second section 326. The buttress 301 mayconnect to a strap base 328 from which the first and second strapsegments 312, 314 extend and which may connect to the elastic portion310. The first and second sections 324, 326 may be configured to provideoptimal pressure both laterally (e.g. by pressing against a side of thepatella) and vertically (e.g. by pressing downward or inward upon aportion of the patella). The buttress 301 is not limited to thisconfiguration but may comprise any suitable configuration.

The first and second sections 324, 326 may cooperate with the strapassembly 306 as they are pressed against a patella as the strap assembly306 is wrapped around the patellofemoral support 300. The strap assembly306 may apply forces against the patella through the buttress 301 andretain the patella in a desired configuration, particularly as the userbends the leg in flexion or extension. Whereas the first section 324 maypress down, the second section 326 may rather be configured to pressinward from a lateral-to-medial direction owing to its broader, moreshallow configuration. The buttress 301 may be formed of silicone,elastomeric material, or any other suitable material for providingforces without damaging the skin of the user, providing uncomfortablepressure points, or otherwise discomforting the user.

The elastic portion 310 may advantageously allow for the strap assembly306 to be flexibly and accurately arranged relative to the patella, andmay further allow for the strap assembly 306 to apply variable degreesof forces to the user and/or to correspond effectively to differentdimensions of different users, or to a single user's potentially dynamicdimensions during recovery from an operation or injury, for example.

FIG. 12 depicts an alternative embodiment of the patellofemoral supportof FIG. 10, comprising a dynamic strap embodiment. The patellofemoralsupport 300 of FIG. 12 comprises a strap assembly 306 having a strapbase 328 and supporting a buttress having first and second portions 324,326 as described in the embodiment of FIGS. 10 and 11.

The strap assembly 306 may advantageously comprise a strap base 328connected to a strap extension portion 310. The strap extension portion310 may be arranged to extend over a stay or stay panel 308 of thepatellofemoral support 300, thereby securing or anchoring the strapassembly 306 on the patellofemoral support 300. This may aid the support300 in applying effective forces to the limb repeatedly and withoutdamaging the support 300.

The first and second strap segments 330, 332 may connect to first andsecond elasticized segments 334, 336, respectively, which mayadditionally connect to second strap segments 338, 340, respectively.The strap assembly 306 may terminate at first and second strap tabs 342,344. The first and second strap tabs 342, 344 may support fasteners forremovably connecting to the sleeve 302. The first and second strapsegments 330, 332 and the second strap segments 338, 340, in contrast tothe elasticized segments 334, 336, may be formed of material that isinelastic or substantially inelastic.

By providing a strap assembly 306 comprising elasticized segments 334,336 between inelastic or substantially inelastic portions 330, 332, 338,340, the strap assembly 306 may be more optimally or accuratelyconformed to the particular shape and size of a user, and appropriatelevels of forces may be applied to the patella with reliable robustnessof the straps. The elasticized segments 334, 336 may further aid inpreventing unwanted twisting or migration of the patellofemoral support300 by allowing the strap assembly 306 to extend around the user withreduced pulling and/or torquing.

It is to be understood that additional elastic portions and inelasticportions may be defined by the strap assembly 306 and in alternativeconfigurations, and the disclosure is not limited to the embodiment ofFIG. 12. The strap assembly 306 is not limited to the embodiment shownin FIGS. 10-12, but may comprise any suitable configuration of strapsand components, including fewer or more straps, helical,circumferential, or anterior- or posterior-only straps, or otherwise.The first and second strap segments may have a substantially similarconfiguration or may have different configurations as suitable.

FIGS. 13 and 14 illustrate another embodiment of a patellofemoralsupport 350 which is a variation of the patellofemoral support of FIG.10. The support 350 includes a sleeve 352 having an opening 362, and astrap assembly 354. The strap assembly 354 has a first portion 356hingedly secured to the sleeve 352, and a second portion having firstand second straps 358, 360 extending from the first portion 356 tohelically extend about the sleeve 352 and selectively secure thereto.The first and second straps 358, 360 extend about opposed sides of theopening 362. As shown in more detail in FIGS. 15 and 16, a patellabuttress 380 is removably securable to an inner surface of the strapassembly 354 about a lateral or medial side L, M of the opening 362, tofunction similarly to the buttress in the embodiment of FIGS. 10-12.

The sleeve 352 preferably includes a padded ring 387 extending about theopening 362, as in preceding embodiments. For reference, the first andsecond sides of the opening 362 correspond to opposed sides of an axisA-A of the sleeve 352, bordered by first and second tangent lines 385,389 on opposed sides of the opening 362, such as along the ring 387, andgenerally parallel to the axis A-A.

In the strap assembly 354, the first and second straps 358, 360 arearranged to extend about the thigh and calf, respectively. The sleeve352 may be substantially uniform, as may be the first and second straps358, 360. In this manner, the support 350 can be used to arrange thebuttress 380 against either a lateral or medial side of the patella, andthe support 350 is arranged for left or right knees, and either lateralor medial complications of the patella.

The second portion of the strap assembly 354 including the first andsecond straps 358, 360 is arranged to extend from the first portion 356at a location corresponding to a first side of the opening 362. A lengthof a first side of the first portion 356 is secured to the sleeve 352 sothe strap assembly 354 can be opened from the first side to betterposition the buttress 380 over or about an affected area of the user'spatella. The first and second straps 358, 360 generally extend from thefirst portion 356 of the strap assembly 354 from a first line 385generally tangent to a first side of the opening 362 and generallyparallel to the axis A-A of the sleeve 350.

The support 350 includes at least one loop 374, 376 located on thesleeve 352 generally at a medial or lateral side of the sleeve 352. Theat least one loop 374, 376 is arranged for at least one of the first andsecond straps 358, 360 to extend therethrough. The at least one loop374, 376 extends obliquely relative to the axis A-A of the sleeve 352 toguide extension of at least one of the first and second straps 358, 360about a periphery of the opening 362.

The loops 374, 376 are preferably on a side opposite the first portion356 of the strap assembly 354 to better guide the first and secondstraps 358, 360 toward the peripheral edges of the sleeve 352. The loops374, 376 also prevent migration of the first and second straps 358, 360during use. The loops 374, 376 simplify the use and donning of thesupport 350 by preventing the straps 358, 360 from inadvertentlymigrating when donning and doffing the support 350. Indicia may beprovided on the straps 358, 360 as a guide for donning or doffing, orfor other means.

The first and second straps 358, 360 are arranged to extend from thefirst portion 356 of the strap assembly 354 circumferentially about thesleeve 352 to about the first portion 356 so a first end 366, 368 of thefirst and second straps 358, 360 removably secures to first and secondlandings 370, 372 on the sleeve 352. The first portion 356 extends fromone of lateral or medial sides L, M of the sleeve 352 and at least oneof the first and second straps 358, 360 generally helically extendstoward a first or proximal edge 391 or a second or distal edge 393 ofthe sleeve 352, depending on the orientation of the sleeve 352.

The first and second straps 358, 360 extend to the proximal edge 391 orthe distal edge 393 to provide a low profile and streamlined support,thereby removing excess material proximally or distally from where thestraps 358, 360 secure. Also such an arrangement allows for atighter-fitting brace as the straps 358, 360 extend to the periphery,either proximal or distal, of the support 350. The tighter-fitting bracefacilitated by the arrangement of the first and second straps 358, 360further ensures that unwanted migration or mis-orientation of thesupport 350 is achieved without effecting an undesirable tourniqueteffect.

The first and second straps 358, 360 may extend nearly completelycircumferentially about the sleeve 352, defined as at least 300° aboutthe sleeve 352 beginning from where the first or second strap 358, 360extends from the first portion 356 and to the point whereat the first orsecond strap 358, 360 secures to the first or second landings 370, 372.Alternatively, the first and second straps 358, 360 may extendcompletely circumferentially about the sleeve 352, defined as at least360° about the sleeve 352 beginning from where the first or second strap358, 360 extends from the first portion 356 to the point whereat thefirst or second strap 358, 360 secures to the first or second landings370, 372.

The first portion 356 may extend from an edge 353 of a medial M orlateral L side of the sleeve 352, and may extend from 5° to 60° aboutthe sleeve 352. Regarding the circumferential extension of the first andsecond straps 358, 360, it is preferable that the first and secondstraps 358, 360 extend at least to the edge 353 or whereat the first orsecond landings 370, 372 begin to circumferentially extend about atleast a segment of the sleeve 352. Preferably, the first and secondlandings 370, 372 intersect about the circumference of the sleeve 352relative to the axis A-A. In this manner, the ends of the first andsecond straps 358, 360 will helically extend about the circumference ofthe sleeve and past or to the first portion 356, extending past the edge353.

FIG. 18 exemplifies how the sleeve 352 can have hinges 369, 371 locatedwithin sleeves 373, 375 located on medial and lateral sides of thesupport 350. The hinges 369, 371 are removable via openings 377 locatedalong each of the sleeves 373, 375. A user may remove one or both hinges369, 371. Each hinge 369, 371 includes first and second arms and anarticulating portion connecting each of the first and second arms.

FIG. 18 illustrates how the buttress 380 may extend as the first andsecond straps 358, 360 are tensioned. Due to the tensioning of the firstand second straps 358, 360, the buttress 380 may extend as well andpressure can be applied about the opening 362 to a user's patella. Suchforces created F1, F2, F3 provide a compressive feel about the patellato provide better support to the user.

The first portion 356 is located between and spaced from the proximaland distal edges 391, 393 so the first ends 366, 368 are located betweenthe first or proximal and second or distal edges 391, 393 and the firstportion 356, respectively. The first and second landings 370, 372 areaxially spaced besides the first portion 356, and may circumferentiallyextend in a segment corresponding to the first portion 356 and at leastpast the first line 385.

The strap assembly 354 may include a film 378 located on the firstportion 356 and the first and second straps 358, 360. The film 378 maybe located on either an outside surface and/or an inside surface of thestrap assembly 354. The film 378 is arranged to inhibit stretching ofthe first and second straps 358, 360. The film 378 comprises a pluralityof sections 379 spaced apart by clearances 381 along a segment of atleast one of the first and second straps 358, 360 proximate a diameterof the opening 362.

The film 378 may be arranged in a geometrical configuration to encourageelasticity or flexibility of the first and second straps 358, 360 aboutthe leg of the user. For example, in the depicted embodiment of FIGS. 13and 14, the film 378 comprises a plurality of sections 379 spaced apartfrom one another and that are generally aligned with the axis A-A. Inthis manner, the first and second straps 358, 360 are able tocircumferentially extend about the user's leg due to the clearances 381between each individual section 379 of the film 378. Stretching of thefirst and second straps 358, 360 in an axial direction may be minimizeddue to the film 378.

The film 378 adds dynamic tensile properties, and may be further adaptedfor tensile properties according to the shapes of the sections 379 andclearances 381 therebetween. The sections 379 are not limited to beinguniform in shape or size relative to one another, and there may be ahigher density of sections 379 at one location as compared to another toincrease or decrease relative tensile properties. The film 378 may limitor lock stretchability of the strap assembly 354 in a strategiclocation, such as about the opening 362. The film 378 reinforces thestrap assembly 354 and may increase the durability and ruggedness inhigh-stress areas of the support 350.

As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the film 378 may extend about the firstportion 356 of the strap assembly 354 on a first side of the opening362, and the film 378 may extend along the first and second straps 358,360 to a second side of the opening 362 proximate in length 383 to thepadded ring 387. The film 378 may extend generally to the second line389 so as to correspond to the opening 362, and may likewise extendalong the first portion 356, which is displaced from the first line 385sufficiently to accommodate the buttress 380. In one variation, thesections 379 of the film 378 may extend obliquely relative to peripheralfirst or inner and second or outer edges 364, 365 of at least one of thefirst and second straps 358, 360.

Referring to FIGS. 15-17, the buttress 380 may have an arcuate shapesimilar to the buttress in FIGS. 10-12, and may be constructed from aresilient material such as silicone, TPE (thermoplastic elastomer),and/or TPU (thermoplastic urethane such as thermoplastic polyurethane).The buttress 380 is arranged with a fastener system to offer a user theability to slightly adjust the buttress 380 according to the user'sindividual anatomy. The buttress 380 includes adjustment features suchas “accordion”-style ribs allowing a user to make slight and preciseadjustments to the shape of the buttress 380. For example, whiledepicted in a basic arcuate shape, the flexibility of the material, incombination with the adjustment features, further in combination withthe fastener system, allows a user to convert the buttress 380 intodifferent shapes suitable for being applied against a patella. Theseshapes include a J—(straightening one end of the buttress), C—(adjustingboth ends toward each other), I—(moving the ends away from each other tostraighten the buttress), variations thereof, or any other suitableshape. When the user is done with the buttress 380 or removes it fromthe support 350, the inherent resilient nature of the material used toform the buttress 380 reverts to the generally arcuate shape, asdepicted.

The buttress 380 may be arranged to removably secure to an insidesurface of the first and second portions of the strap assembly 354, suchas by hook-and-loop fastening. The buttress 380 forms first and secondopposing peripheral edges 388, 390 having different radii. The buttress380 defines a flat portion 382 having opposed flat surfaces along firstand second sides 400, 402 of the buttress 380. The flat portion 382generally corresponds to the first portion 365 of the strap assembly354. The first peripheral edge 388 of the buttress 380 borders the flatportion 382. The second side 402 of the buttress 380 is substantiallyflat and adapted to secure to the strap assembly 354. The second side402 of the buttress 380 includes at least one fastening element 396A,396B, 398 adapted to removably engage the strap assembly 354. Thefastening elements 396A, 396B, 398 may comprise hook material securableto loop material or the material forming the strap assembly 354.

The geometry of the buttress 380 is adapted to localized pressure abouta patella when the strap assembly 354 is tensioned thereabout. Aprotruding portion 384 extends along the first side 400 of the buttress380 and borders the second peripheral edge 390. A transitional portion386 extends from the flat portion 382 to the protruding portion 384. Thetransitional portion 386 may have a rounded profile.

To ease bending of the buttress 380 and mitigate bunching of thebuttress 380, the buttress 380 defines at least one series of ribs 392,394 extending from the first peripheral edge 388 toward the secondperipheral edge 390. The at least one series of ribs 392, 394 is formedfrom a thickness of at least the flat portion 388. The at least oneseries of ribs 392, 394 may extend along the first and second sides 400,402 in alternating first and second rows 392A, 392B, 394A, 394B,respectively. The at least one series of ribs 392, 394 may extend to theprotruding portion 384 along the transition portion 386 and generallyextend in a converging orientation from the first peripheral edge 388 tothe protruding portion 384.

The at least one series of ribs 392, 394 includes first and secondseries of ribs 392, 394 spaced apart by a middle section 391 of thebuttress 380. Placing the at least one series of ribs 392, 394facilitates bending of first and second end sections 393, 395 of thebuttress 380 relative to the middle section 391. Each rib 397 may taperin width from the first peripheral edge 388 toward the protrudingportion 384. Each clearance 399 between adjacent ribs 397 may taperaccording to a taper of the adjacent ribs 397, and may define a firstset of clearances 399A on the first side 400 and a second set ofclearances 399B on the second side 402. The first row of ribs 392A onthe first side 400 may extend deeper into a thickness 401 of thebuttress 380 than a second row of ribs 392B on the second side 402. Theextent of a taper or extension toward the second peripheral edge 390 ofthe buttress 380 of each of the first and second ribs 392A, 392B, 394A,394B may vary relative to one another. A depth of the clearances 399 maytaper in depth or width as the second row of ribs 392B converge on thesecond side 402.

The embodiments of a patellofemoral support advantageously overcomechallenges of existing devices by providing a sleeve, buttress, andstrap system arranged to cooperate with each other to apply forces andpressure in an effective, intuitive, and comfortable manner. A buttressand strap system may be configured to cooperate to apply forces toparticular portions of a user's limb in a predetermined manner withoptimal patella stabilization and/or immobilization and with greaterease of donning the device according to a user's dimensions. Theembodiments of a patellofemoral support further allow for improvedstabilization of a patellofemoral support and components thereof.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A patellofemoral support, comprising: asleeve having an opening; a strap assembly having a strap base, a firstportion hingedly secured to the sleeve, and a second portion comprisingfirst and second straps extending from the first portion to helicallyextend about the sleeve and selectively secure thereto, the first andsecond straps extending about opposed sides of the opening and helicallyabout the sleeve; a buttress having a continuous arcuate shape withfirst and second ends corresponding to the first and second straps,respectively, the buttress arranged to removably secure to an insidesurface of the first portion of the strap assembly; wherein the buttresshas first and second sections located between the first and second endsand arranged to extend from the inside surface of the first portion ofthe strap assembly, the first section having a greater height than andextending from a surface of the second section; wherein the buttressforms first and second opposing peripheral edges having different radii;wherein the buttress defines a flat portion having opposed flat surfacesalong first and second sides of the buttress, the first peripheral edgebordering the flat portion; wherein the second side of the buttress isflat and adapted to secure to the strap assembly; wherein the buttressdefines a transitional portion extending from the flat portion to aprotruding portion; wherein the buttress defines at least one series ofribs extending from the first peripheral edge toward the secondperipheral edge over the surface of the buttress defined by a widthbetween the first and second peripheral edges; wherein the at least oneseries of ribs is formed from a thickness of the buttress, the at leastone series of ribs extend over the first and second sides of thebuttress in alternating first and second rows into the thickness of thebuttress, respectively, the at least one series of ribs extending to theprotruding portion along the transition portion and extending in aconverging orientation from the first peripheral edge to the protrudingportion; wherein the at least one series of ribs form elongateclearances over the surfaces of the first and second sides and extend adepth short of the thickness of the buttress, and the clearances arespaced apart by individual ribs in alternating first and second rows onopposed sides of the buttress; wherein the different radii of the firstand second peripheral edges are continuous without interruption.
 2. Thepatellofemoral support of claim 1, wherein the first and second strapsare arranged to extend about the thigh and calf, respectively.
 3. Thepatellofemoral support of claim 1, wherein the first and second strapsextend from the first portion of the strap assembly from a line tangentto the opening and parallel to an axis of the sleeve.
 4. Thepatellofemoral support of claim 1, further comprising at least one looplocated on the sleeve at a medial or lateral side of the sleeve, the atleast one loop arranged for at least one of the first and second strapsto extend therethrough.
 5. The patellofemoral support of claim 4,wherein the at least one loop extends obliquely relative to the axis ofthe sleeve to guide extension of at least one of the first and secondstraps about a periphery of the opening.
 6. The patellofemoral supportof claim 1, further comprising a film located on at least one of thefirst and second straps, the film inhibiting stretching of the at leastone first and second straps.
 7. The patellofemoral support of claim 6,wherein the film comprises a plurality of sections spaced apart byclearances along a segment of the at least one of the first and secondstraps proximate a diameter of the opening.
 8. The patellofemoralsupport of claim 6, wherein the film extends about the first portion ofthe strap assembly on a first side of the opening and the film extendsalong the at least one first and second straps to a second side of theopening proximate in length to a padded ring extending about theopening, the first and second sides of the opening corresponding toopposed sides of an axis of the sleeve.
 9. The patellofemoral support ofclaim 6, wherein the film is located on an outer surface of the strapassembly.
 10. The patellofemoral support of claim 1, wherein at leastone of the first and second straps extends from the first portion of thestrap assembly circumferentially about the sleeve to the first portionsuch that a first end of the at least one of the first and second strapsremovably secures to a landing on the sleeve.
 11. The patellofemoralsupport of claim 10, wherein at least one of the first and second strapsextends from the first portion of the strap assembly circumferentiallyabout the sleeve by at least 300°.
 12. The patellofemoral support ofclaim 1, wherein the first portion extends from one of a medial orlateral side of the sleeve and the at least one of the first and secondstraps helically extends toward a proximal edge or a distal edge of thesleeve.
 13. A patellofemoral support, comprising: a sleeve having anopening; a strap assembly; a buttress consisting of an elastomericmaterial; wherein the buttress has an arcuate shape with first andsecond ends, the buttress arranged to removably secure to an insidesurface of the strap assembly, the buttress having a protruding portionextending toward the sleeve, the buttress forming first and secondopposing peripheral edges having different radii and defining a flatportion having opposed flat surfaces along first and second sides of thebuttress, the first peripheral edge bordering the flat portion, thesecond side of the buttress being flat and adapted to secure to thestrap assembly; wherein the buttress defines at least one series of ribsextending from the first peripheral edge toward the second peripheraledge, the at least one series of ribs is formed from a thickness of atleast the flat portion, the at least one series of ribs extending overthe first and second sides of the buttress forming elongate clearancesover the surfaces of the first and second sides and extending a depthshort of the thickness of the buttress, and the clearances are spacedapart by individual ribs in alternating first and second rows on opposedsides of the buttress, respectively, the at least one series of ribsextending to the protruding portion along a transition portion andextending in a converging orientation from the first peripheral edge tothe protruding portion; wherein the at least one series of ribs includefirst and second series of ribs spaced apart by a middle section of thebuttress; wherein the different radii of the first and second peripheraledges are continuous without interruption.